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Clinton forcefully endorses Obama

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton takes the stagePAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Former President Clinton forcefully endorsed
Barack Obama's bid for the White House on Wednesday, telling
delegates to the Democratic convention that Obama is "ready to
lead America and restore American leadership in the world."

Clinton pushed back on attacks - initiated by himself and his
wife during the bitter primary campaign, and later taken up by
Republican John McCain, that Obama is ill prepared for the White
House, especially on matters of national defense.

"With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack
Obama's proven understanding, insight, and good instincts, America
will have the national security leadership we need," Clinton said.

Clinton campaigned feverishly for his wife, Hillary Rodham
Clinton, in her long-fought primary battle against Obama, and took
her loss hard. He had not spoken out as strongly in support of
Obama since he clinched the nomination in June.

Jabbing a finger at thousands of cheering delegates, he
declared: "I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack
Obama in November."

Clinton was by turns funny, nostalgic and wonkish, delving into
issues like health care and pension benefits.

Clinton, ever mindful of himself, likened Obama's presidential
quest to his own bid for the presidency in 1992, when "Republicans
said I was too young and too inexperienced to be commander in
chief."

"Sound familiar?" Clinton said. "It didn't work in 1992,
because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in
2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history."

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton at the DNCMark Wilson/Getty Images

He allowed that the primary campaign had generated "so much
heat it increased global warming."

"In the end," he said, "my candidate didn't win. But I'm
proud of the campaign she ran: She never quit on the people she
stood up for, on the changes she pushed for, on the future she
wants for all our children."

Gallery

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton takes the stagePAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images